Blog
News, updates, finds, stories, and tidbits from staff and community members at KAHEA. Got something to share? Email us at: kahea-alliance@hawaii.rr.com.
Scientific American's troubling article on Mauna Kea
National coverage is good, but the article was not particularly critical of patronizing attitudes towards Native Hawaiians.
KAHEA begins work on seabed mining issues
The project aims to develop policy recommendations for Hawai'i's stakeholders to ensure seabed mining is carefully monitored and to raise public awareness about the impacts of seabed mining on Hawai'i's near shore waters. We intend to bring together Hawaiian cultural practitioners, academics, representatives of U.S. and Hawai'i government agencies, international representatives, and community members to discuss impacts of seabed mining on Hawai'i's oceans and identify specific ways to mitigate those effects.
What is Seabed Mining?
Seabed mining is a mineral retrieval process that takes place on the ocean floor. The ocean floor is "swept" or "plowed." Sediment is collected and pumped into a vessel via a lift system. The sediment is shifted and minerals are extracted. The sediment is then pumped back into the ocean bottom.
What are the Environmental Impacts of Seabed Mining?
Scientists estimate that seabed mining will affect thousands of different species from fish to crustaceans that these impacts will be very long-lasting. The likelihood is high that both the immediate area and other interconnected ecosystems, including Hawai'i's near shore fisheries and coral reef systems, will be affected.
Why is this project important?
Seabed mining has long been seen in the state of Hawai'i as an under-utilized economic driver. As of 2014, at least one company is ready to begin seabed mining off the coast of Papua New Guinea. Closer to Hawai'i, mineral exploitation is active in the Clarion- Clipperton Fracture Zone, an area that begins approximately 500 miles south of Hawaii and runs to Mexico's coast.
Over the past year, KAHEA has heard growing concern from supporters over the prospect of seabed mining in the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone and the potential adverse impacts that such operations could have on the seas closer to Hawai'i. Because this area is located in international waters, state and federal governments may not have the tools to regulate and monitor the use of ocean resources in this area. KAHEA, using its model of alliance-building, seeks to foster innovative ways to ensure that the natural resources of the region are preserved and ocean health maintained.
A response to your “Seeking Stars, Finding Creationism”
A response to the October 21, 2014 New York Times article "Seeking Stars, Finding Creationism"
Come visit KAHEA at Mālama Mākua!
Please come to Mākua Beach this Saturday, September 27 from 10am-4pm, to celebrate 10 years of no live fire training! KAHEA Board member, Jon Osorio, will host workshops to write mele and mo‘olelo about the area.
KAHEA presents Kūkahi No Kanaloa: Ocean Day Celebration, June 14, 2014
Join us for Kūkahi No Kanaloa: Ocean Day Celebration, a free event, taking place on Saturday, June 14, 2014 from 2:30 pm to 9:30 pm at Wai‘anae District Park. Enjoy live Hawaiian music, silent auction, panel discussion, and "Hawaiian: The Legend of Eddie Aikau" movie under the stars! We're also looking for volunteers who can help with the event. If you would like more information or would like to sign-up please contact julia@kahea.org Mahalo!
New telescope atop Mauna Kea begs questions
KAHEA Board VP, Jon Osorio's op-ed on links between the Thirty-Meter Telescope litigation and BLNR's hearing on UH's lease renewal of Mauna Kea lands.
Mauna Kea Hui file Notice of Appeal
Mauna Kea advocates are seeking justice in Hawai‘i courts. Six plaintiffs have filed a Notice of Appeal in circuit court challenging the Board of Land and Natural Resources’ (BLNR) April 12th decision to grant the University of Hawai`i at Hilo a conservation district use permit (CDUP) to construct the world's second largest telescope, the Thirty-Meter Telescope (TMT) atop Mauna Kea.
